Episode 427: 2026 Hyundai Kona, 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport
About this episode
The latest episode dives into reviews of the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport. The hosts discuss the Kona's gas-powered model, highlighting its competitive pricing and practicality, while also comparing it to rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V. The conversation shifts to the Lexus NX 350h F Sport, focusing on its stylish design, hybrid efficiency, and mixed performance feedback. The hosts also touch on the quirks of adaptive cruise control and the importance of interior features, making for an engaging discussion on these two distinct vehicles.
Hyundai Kona
"Ben, I'm going to start this week's episode off with a review of the 2026 Hyundai Kona."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that is popular for its good looks and practical features. The 2026 version will likely have new technology and engine choices.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and versatile features. The 2026 model is expected to come with updated technology and possibly new powertrain options.
gas powered model
"But this time I've looked around back on the Kona that I'm testing, and it has a tailpipe, which means it's a gas powered model."
A gas powered model is a car that runs on gasoline, like most cars you see on the road. It has an engine that burns fuel to make it go.
A gas powered model refers to a vehicle that uses gasoline as its fuel source, typically featuring an internal combustion engine. These vehicles are common and can be found in various types of cars and SUVs.
limited trim level
"Why is limited such a popular trim level as a word? And I don't even mean just now, like on the modern landscape, it feels like limited has been around forever."
A 'limited trim level' is a special version of a car that usually comes with unique features. It sounds exclusive, but sometimes many of these cars are made, so it's not as rare as it seems.
The term 'limited trim level' refers to a specific variant of a vehicle that is marketed as having exclusive features or options, often implying a sense of rarity or specialness. However, in many cases, these trims are produced in large quantities, making the 'limited' designation somewhat misleading.
Jeep Cherokee
"...the kind of you see it on every car, like a grand Cherokee to like a bruise. I think used to have limited fo..."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that can handle rough terrain and is great for outdoor activities. It's popular because it combines a tough look with the comfort of a regular car.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a long history in the Jeep lineup, appealing to both adventure seekers and everyday drivers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"... like the kind of you see it on every car, like a grand Cherokee to like a bruise. I think used to have limited fo..."
Ford Crown Victorias
"like a grand Cherokee to like a bruise. I think used to have limited for Crown Victoria's, you know, like it's it's just been everywhere and I don't get it."
The Ford Crown Victoria is a big car that many police and taxi drivers used because it lasts a long time. It's known for being roomy and comfortable, and people often talk about it because of its history.
The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan that was widely used by police departments and taxi services due to its durability and spaciousness. It has become a cultural icon, often associated with classic American cars and is frequently mentioned in discussions about older vehicles.
Nissan Versa S
"...Nissan Versa S, I rest my case. Exactly. But the other thing about limited is as a word..."
The Nissan Versa S is a version of the Nissan Versa, a small and affordable car. It's designed for people who want a simple and economical vehicle without many extra features.
The Nissan Versa S is a trim level of the Nissan Versa, which is a subcompact car known for its affordability and practicality. It typically comes with basic features aimed at budget-conscious buyers.
turbocharged
"...it features a turbocharged 1.6 liter four cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower, 195 pound feet of torque."
Turbocharging is a way to make an engine more powerful by forcing extra air into it. This helps the engine burn more fuel and produce more power without making it bigger.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine to force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in improved performance and efficiency compared to naturally aspirated engines.
horsepower
"...that makes 190 horsepower, 195 pound feet of torque. I'm going to bring this up because as far as I can tell..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster or accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, with higher horsepower generally translating to better performance.
torque
"...190 horsepower, 195 pound feet of torque. I'm going to bring this up because as far as I can tell..."
Torque measures how strong an engine is when it comes to turning things. It's important for how quickly a car can speed up or pull heavy loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, indicating how much twisting power an engine can produce. It is crucial for acceleration and pulling power, especially in vehicles that need to move heavy loads.
all wheel drive
"The model I have has all wheel drive, something really important to mention with the Kona is that unlike while base models use a CVT,"
All wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road scenarios.
CVT
"to mention with the Kona is that unlike while base models use a CVT, the top trims with these turbocharged engine get a eight speed automatic."
CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, which is a type of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without the usual steps you feel in other automatics.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
eight speed automatic
"the top trims with these turbocharged engine get a eight speed automatic. And overall, this car is really, really good to drive."
An eight-speed automatic is a type of transmission that can change gears automatically and has eight different settings to help the car drive better and save fuel.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of automatic gearbox that has eight distinct gear ratios. This allows for better acceleration and fuel efficiency as the transmission can select the optimal gear for the driving conditions.
Honda Civic
"...you might be expecting something closer to like a Honda Civic Si. This isn't like that at all."
The Honda Civic Si is a sport version of the Civic, designed for better performance and handling. It has a more powerful engine and sportier features compared to the regular Civic.
The Honda Civic Si is a sportier variant of the popular Civic model, known for its enhanced performance and handling characteristics. It typically features a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Hyundai Elantra
"...I think the Alantra, the Alantra sport or N line, I don't know what they're called now..."
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that's affordable and reliable. The Sport and N Line versions are designed to be sportier and more fun to drive than the regular Elantra.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan known for its value, reliability, and a range of features. The Elantra Sport and N Line trims offer sportier performance and styling compared to the base model.
Honda Hrv
"...u would, you would probably be more looking at an HRV or something. Yeah, please don't mention the HRV ..."
The Honda HR-V is a small SUV that is very practical and can hold a lot of things inside. It's great for city driving and has flexible seating arrangements for carrying different items.
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV known for its practicality and efficient use of space. It offers a versatile interior with configurable seating and cargo options, making it a popular choice for urban dwellers.
Subaru Crosstrek
"I think the Crosstrek is one of the ideal choices if fuel efficiency and space are on your list."
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV that is great for people who want good gas mileage and enough room for passengers and cargo. It also comes with all-wheel drive, which helps with traction in bad weather.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV known for its versatility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive, making it a popular choice for those needing space and capability.
Toyota Corolla Cross
"I'm not a huge lover of the Corolla Cross or the HRV."
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a small SUV that offers the same reliability as the popular Corolla sedan, making it a good choice for people who want a little more space.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the reliability and efficiency of the Corolla line, appealing to buyers looking for a versatile vehicle.
Nissan Kicks
"The kicks used to be something else."
The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV that is designed to be stylish and efficient, making it a good choice for city driving.
The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV that offers a stylish design and a good fuel economy, making it an attractive option for urban drivers.
Hyundai Celtos
"Isn't it the Celtos? Do we still have a Celtos?"
The Hyundai Celtos is another small SUV like the Kona. It's designed to be stylish and has many tech features, making it a good choice for younger drivers.
The Hyundai Celtos is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of style, technology, and practicality. It competes in the same segment as the Kona and is designed to appeal to younger buyers with its modern features and design.
Hyundai Venue
"...the there's another Hyundai that's like below the venue. And that's gone, I think."
The Hyundai Venue is a small SUV that's easy to drive around the city and doesn't use too much gas. It's a good choice for someone looking for an affordable and practical vehicle.
The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV that is designed for urban driving, offering a small footprint and efficient fuel economy. It is often discussed for its affordability and practical features, making it a good entry-level option.
Genesis
"...the venue is one of my white whales. Like the Genesis. I think you're OK."
Genesis is a brand that makes luxury cars. It's part of Hyundai, and they focus on high-quality, stylish vehicles.
Genesis is a luxury vehicle division of the South Korean automaker Hyundai, known for producing premium sedans and SUVs that compete with brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Kia Soul
"I saw one today out on the road and I was like, this is what a Kia Soul could have looked like, but didn't. You know, it's like a smaller area."
The Kia Soul is a small car that has a distinctive boxy shape. It's popular for its roomy interior and fun design, making it a good choice for city driving.
The Kia Soul is a compact car known for its boxy shape and spacious interior. It has a unique design that appeals to a younger demographic and is often recognized for its practicality and versatility.
Nissan Cube
"a different take on like the Nissan Cube,"
The Nissan Cube is a small car that has a unique, boxy design. It's known for being spacious inside and has a very different look compared to most cars.
The Nissan Cube is a compact car known for its quirky design and spacious interior. It features a unique, boxy shape that maximizes interior space and offers a distinctive style.
Honda Element
"...XB, yeah, you know, the Cube, the Cube brand, the element. Elements were so important to everything."
The Honda Element is a unique-looking small SUV that has a lot of space inside and is easy to clean. It's great for people who have pets or like to go on adventures.
The Honda Element is a compact SUV known for its boxy shape and versatile interior. It gained a cult following for its practicality, spaciousness, and easy-to-clean materials, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners.
Scion xB
"...Psyon XB, yeah, you know, the Cube, the Cube brand, the element."
The Scion xB is a small car with a square shape that was popular for its roomy interior. It was made by Toyota under a brand called Scion.
The Scion xB is a compact car that was produced by Toyota under the Scion brand from 2003 to 2015. It is known for its boxy design and spacious interior, appealing to younger buyers.
Honda That Honda
"...d now that that's what we're doing. And I thought that Honda should bring the element back as an entry level o..."
The Honda That's is a small car that is popular in Japan because it's easy to park and use in the city. It's designed to be practical and efficient for everyday driving.
The Honda That's is a compact car that is primarily sold in Japan and is known for its efficient use of space and practicality. It is often mentioned in discussions about small cars that are ideal for city driving.
Kia Kona
"Anyways, yeah, the alternative to the Kona would be the Celtos."
The Kia Kona is a small SUV that is popular for its good looks and useful features. It's a great option for people who want a vehicle that is easy to drive and has plenty of space.
The Kia Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and practicality. It offers a range of features and trims, making it a popular choice in its segment.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...I think they debuted on the Ionic."
The Hyundai Ioniq is a small car that comes in different versions, including one that runs on electricity. It's designed to be very fuel-efficient and is a good option for people who want to save on gas.
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact car that is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric versions. It is known for its efficiency and modern design, making it a popular choice among eco-conscious drivers.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"...my parents just bought a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and my mom doesn't drive it a lot, a lot. But she, you know, she drove it over..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks stylish and has a lot of tech features. It's designed to be eco-friendly and can be charged quickly.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact crossover SUV that features a modern design and advanced technology. It offers impressive range and fast charging capabilities, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
gauge cluster
"...where you like your selections on certain stocks show up in the gauge cluster."
The gauge cluster is the part of the car in front of the driver that shows important information like how fast you're going and how much gas you have. Some newer cars can also show other details on this display.
The gauge cluster is the panel in front of the driver that displays important information about the vehicle, such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. In modern cars, it may also show additional data like navigation directions or vehicle settings.
Porsche Taycan
"...I will say that the Porsche Taycan hides its on button behind the steering wheel. You can never and it's shifter as well behind the steering wheel."
The Porsche Taycan is a high-end electric car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's known for having cool technology and a unique design.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sedan that combines performance with advanced technology. It features a distinctive design and offers impressive acceleration and handling, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
Subaru Outback
"...and purses. And like my wife, for example, in our outback, she had to get and her cross truck before it's a..."
The Subaru Outback is a car that looks like a mix between a wagon and an SUV, and it's great for driving on different types of roads. Many people like it because it can handle bad weather and rough trails.
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that combines the features of a station wagon with off-road capability. It's well-regarded for its all-wheel drive system and safety features, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
blind spot monitor
"...issues with the F-150's blind spot monitor that was incorporated into the taillight, I believe."
A blind spot monitor helps drivers see cars that are in areas they can't normally see when looking in their mirrors. It warns them if there's a car nearby, making it safer to change lanes.
A blind spot monitor is a safety feature that uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots, alerting them to potential hazards when changing lanes. This technology enhances driving safety by reducing the risk of collisions during lane changes.
Ford F150S
"...issues with the F-150's blind spot monitor that was incorporated into the taillight, I believe."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and having lots of technology to help with safety and convenience.
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its durability, versatility, and advanced technology features. It is often used for both work and personal purposes, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts.
Kia Seltos
"...things, as we mentioned, you talked about the Kia Seltos. I don't think that is as good as the Kona."
The Kia Seltos is a small SUV that looks nice and has a lot of technology inside. It's a good choice if you're looking for something affordable that still has plenty of room.
The Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that offers a stylish design and a range of tech features. It is often discussed for its competitive pricing and spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the crowded SUV market.
Lexus NX 350h
"...I drove something that is not playing in the world of Kona's. And that is the Lexus NX 350H F Sport. And depending on which country you're in,..."
The Lexus NX 350h F Sport is a luxury SUV that uses a hybrid engine for better fuel efficiency. The 'F Sport' version has a sportier look and feel than the regular model.
The Lexus NX 350h F Sport is a hybrid compact SUV that combines luxury features with efficient performance. The 'F Sport' trim offers sportier styling and handling enhancements compared to the standard model.
Toyota Rav4
"...mpact SUV. It's based on the same platform as the RAV4, loosely. They have kind of the same hard points,..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that is known for being dependable and having a lot of space inside. It's a good choice for families or anyone who needs a car that can do a bit of everything.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It is often discussed for its versatility, making it suitable for families and urban driving alike.
adaptive suspension system
"The most interesting one is an adaptive suspension system. So Lexus has essentially adaptive sports shocks..."
An adaptive suspension system helps the car ride smoothly and handle better by changing how the shocks work while you drive. It makes the car feel more comfortable or sportier depending on the situation.
An adaptive suspension system automatically adjusts the vehicle's shock absorbers to optimize ride comfort and handling based on driving conditions. This technology enhances performance by providing a balance between comfort and sportiness.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...m with the with the path with, I was going to say pathfinder with the trail hunter forerunner. Right, where th..."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a larger SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's good for families and can also go off-road if you want to explore nature.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior and strong towing capacity. It is often highlighted for its family-friendly features and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
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